How can the population participate in reverse logistics?

The participation of the population in the reverse logistics of electrical and electronic equipment and appliances is of utmost importance to ensure an environmentally appropriate final destination of this waste. So important that the legislation provides for the participation of the consumer within the responsibility shared by the life cycle of the products. 

The implementation of this process occurs through collection at points of receipt for this type of waste, avoiding disposal in common waste or in conventional selective collection. In order for reverse logistics to be effective, it is essential that the population follow some guidelines when performing the disposal of these products, such as separating electronic equipment from other types of waste, ensuring that they are off, clean, and discard them whole whenever possible. 

It is recommended to erase personal data contained in the devices before disposal, remembering that there is no way to recover the products after their disposal. The correct destination of electronic equipment and household appliances contributes to avoid contamination of water and soil, since many of these products contain toxic components such as mercury and cadmium.In addition, air pollution is avoided, especially in the case of appliances that have refrigerants, such as refrigerators and air conditioning, which, when leaked, can harm the ozone layer. 

It is important to emphasize that the population has no cost to carry out the correct disposal, since reverse logistics is funded by manufacturers and importers. By disposing correctly, the consumer contributes to the preservation of the environment and still gains more space at home, by getting rid of obsolete equipment or that are no longer in use. 

Awareness about reverse logistics and active participation of the population should not be restricted to schools alone, but should extend to companies and all households.With the frequent acquisition of new technological products, it is essential that the correct disposal of old equipment becomes a habit, aiming not only at individual benefit, but also the collective and the environmental. 

By participating in reverse logistics, the population contributes to the reuse of materials and components of these equipment in the manufacture of new products, promoting the circular economy and reducing the need for extraction of natural resources. In this way, everyone wins: the environment, companies and society itself, which benefits from a more sustainable and responsible production cycle.